COVID Safety Protocols

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is committed to creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe environment for its members, guests, and staff.

We have joined a growing coalition of civic organizations across the Chicago area in adopting safety protocols to ensure your attendance at any Council event is safe. These protocols are in effect until further notice and will be reviewed regularly to follow the latest public health recommendations.

Questions? Contact covidresponse@globalaffairs.org.

Attendee & External Guest COVID-19 Policy

All attendees are expected to self-screen for COVID symptoms before attending in-person programs or meetings. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, and fatigue.

Guests who are not feeling well, are exhibiting any COVID symptoms, or have had or been exposed to or test positive for COVID should not attend in-person until after five days of quarantine and instead attend virtually. If you display no additional symptoms after five days, we recommend you attend masked.

Wearing a face mask when not actively eating or drinking is strongly recommended in all areas of the Council’s Conference Center or at any Council event, including while seated during programs. Masks will be provided during registration for programs and at the front desk in the Council office.

Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization

In the Council’s Conference Center, high-touch areas, including countertops, door handles, and elevators, are cleaned and sanitized regularly. In addition, seating areas and corresponding lobbies are disinfected with CDC-approved aerosol sprays after each program.

Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Conference Center and can be found near all entrances. Per CDC guidelines, people should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Contact Tracing

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of attending a program, email covidresponse@globalaffairs.org.

If there is any indication you may have been in close contact with someone that tested positive while at a Council program, you will be informed as soon as possible via email. The CDC currently defines close contact as anyone who was less than six feet away from you for a combined total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.